paraprosdokian, paraprosdokia
(Greek: beyond expectations; surprise endings; a pun which is fun)
A phrase or sentence that takes readers to an unexpected conclusion: The paraprosdokian prepares people to anticipate something; however, it ends with a surprisingly different meaning and it is usually humorous.
Paraprosdokians are also defined as figures of speech in which the last part of the sentences or phrases are contrary to what is normally expected.
Etymology: from Greek para-, "beyond" and prosdokia, "expectation"; prosdokia consists of pro-, "before" + dokein. "to think, to imagine, to expect".
A bicycle can't stand on its own because it is two tired.
A boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat.
A carnation is a country where everyone owns a car.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
A committee is a group of people who keep minutes and waste hours.
A dermatologist is someone who makes rash judgments.
A farmer raises things without lifting them.
A kangaroo is the largest species of grasshopper known to humans.
A keyring is used for holding all kinds of keys, except the key to success.
A lot of money is tainted: It taint yours and it taint mine.
A man's home is his castle, in a manor of speaking.
A midget fortune-teller who escapes from prison is a small medium at large.
A plateau is a high form of flattery.
A secret is enough for one, too much for two, and nothing at all for three.
A sleeping bull is a bulldozer.
